Sgoil Shamhraidh Drama 2009 Team Announced
Fèisean nan Gàidheal is delighted to announce the tutor team for Sgoil Shamhraidh Dràma 2009 which is set to take place in Portree 6 – 16 July. The Drama Summer School is supported by the Scottish Arts Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Highland Council and Eden Court Theatre and is aimed at fluent Gaelic speakers in the 14 – 18 age range.
The team will be directed by Tiree born actor Artair Donald who is one of the most experienced and highly respected figures in Gaelic drama. Artair was himself a student in the Gaelic drama summer schools run by Pròiseact nan Ealan in the mid-1990s, going on to train at the prestigious Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute in New York. Since then, he has been involved in a wide range of theatre, film and television work in both Gaelic and English and has been leading Gaelic drama workshops across Scotland, particularly for young people.
Returning to the summer school is actress and author Catriona Lexy Campbell, Tim Licata of the Edinburgh based Plutoe la Vie Theatre Company, Ruaraidh Nicolson of the Eden Court “Out of Eden” team, along with Dave Martin and Ali Ross who will provide the students with a daily input of key technical and stage skills. New for SSD09 we are delighted to welcome actress and singer Wilma Kennedy, who will lead voice workshops with the students.
Organiser Douglas Beck said, “Last year’s Sgoil Shamhraidh Dràma surpassed our expectations, due to the excellent relationship between the tutors and participants. It was really heartening to see young people from all over Scotland come together, with the common bonds of Gaelic and drama, producing work that was of the highest standard.”
He went on to say “We are delighted that Artair has agreed to lead this year’s Sgoil Shamhraidh and the team he has put together is of the highest calibre. I would encourage any Gaelic speaker aged 14 to 18 with an interest in drama to apply. Opportunities like this do not come along very often and if last year’s event was anything to go by, they will have great fun too!”
Attendance at the Sgoil Shamhraidh is free and no previous drama or acting experience is necessary. However entry will be determined by means of an interview, with a maximum of 20 places available.
More information and an application form can be obtained from Fèisean nan Gàidheal Drama Officer Douglas Beck on (01463) 225559, douglas@feisean.org or via the Fèisean nan Gàidheal website www.feisean.org.